It happens every day. Now it’s happened to you. Your handbag has been stolen and you’ve lost your driver’s licence, credit cards, ATM card, ID document, library card and the pictures of your kids. And to cap it all, you’re worried about identity theft. What do you do?
Contact your bank immediately. An ATM and debit card often has a VISA or MasterCard logo, so it can be processed like a credit card even though the money comes out of your normal transactional account. You can dispute fraudulent withdrawals with your bank, but bear in mind that you only get the money back if their investigation goes your way, which can take 60 days or longer.
Contact your credit card issuers. Credit card fraud is a common form of identity theft. Your stolen cards will get used quickly, usually for a few large purchases, or several small ones. Most credit card companies are wise to this and watch for ‘unusual buying patterns,’ but don’t count on that.
Report the theft at your local police station. Get the case number and a hard copy of the report. Every company you deal with when it comes to investigating an identity theft issue will want a copy of this, so make several copies but ensure that you keep the original.
Get a new driver’s licence and identity document. If someone commits a crime while in possession of your driver’s licence or ID, they’ll give that to the police when they’re arrested. You could be implicated in a crime you know nothing of.
Change your locks. The thief knows your address now. Did you have a key in your handbag or purse? If so, changing the locks on your doors is a smart move. Let your neighbours know what’s happened, and ask them to keep a lookout for strangers around your house.
Call your other card issuers. Call the library if you had a library card. Call your movie rental shop, your car rental company, your medical aid company and everybody who gave you some sort of credit, ID or store card. Identity thieves run up all sorts of bills in their victims’ names. They’re so creative that it’s impossible to know how your information will get misused.
Call your insurance broker. Talk to your broker about the replacement of your stolen handbag and its contents. Have the police case number handy and give a detailed report on the contents of the handbag that was stolen. Ensure that you make all the necessary arrangements and take every precaution you can to protect your identity and your safety. It’s worth it.
Talk to Indwe Risk Services about tailor-made personal insurance, suited to your needs. Contact us today on 0860 13 13 14 or visit www.indwerisk.co.za for advice or a competitive quotation.